Elyse Knowles on the key to her success after reality TV

She once dreamt of an international modelling career. But former The Block contestant Elyse Knowles says her experience overseas put her off that jet-set lifestyle.

Model and renovator Elyse Knowles says persistence is the key to her success rather than “sucking up” and “socialising”.

Knowles has told the October issue ofInStyle magazine, on sale on Thursday, that while she had once coveted an international modelling career, the experience of working overseas had left her unimpressed.

“There was a stage where I thought I wanted to live overseas and do the whole America thing,” she told InStyle.

“But when I was overseas I cried every day and wanted to come home — I hated it.

“I’m not one for going out to clubs and socialising with my bookers because they’re going to get me work.

Elyse Knowles. Picture: Simon Upton for InStyle

“I don’t have to be a drunk model sucking up to get a good job. I want to get a job because I am who I am.”

Knowles also spoke of achieving her long-held dream of being a Myer ambassador, a role she landed after Jennifer Hawkins stepped down as the face of the brand last year.

The magazine goes on sale Thursday. Picture: Simon Upton for InStyle

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“I think a lot of people want everything to happen instantly and, if it doesn’t, they chuck a tantrum and will be done with that idea,” Knowles said.

“But nothing happens with the click of a finger. You really have to be persistent with what you want and give it your all. I did — and all the hard work paid off.”

Knowles has based herself in Byron Bay where she and her partner, Josh Barker, run their J & E Projects renovation business.

INSTYLE GOES ON SALE THURSDAY.